Daily Current Affairs: 7 December 2025
Analysis for 07 December 2025
Indian Armed Forces Flag Day observed on December 7
Key Updates:
- Indian Armed Forces Flag Day is observed annually on December 7.
- The day was established on December 7, 1949, to pay nationwide tribute to the armed forces.
- Citizens contribute voluntary donations to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) for war widows, disabled soldiers, and ex-servicemen.
- Small flags in red, deep blue, and light blue signify support for the Army, Navy, and Air Force respectively.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Navy Day is observed every year on December 4.
- The day honours the Indian Navy’s victory during Operation Trident on the night of 4 December 1971.
- Operation Trident was led by Commodore Kasargod Pattana Shetty Gopal Rao.
- The 2025 Naval Day Operation Demo was held at Shankhumukham Beach, Thiruvananthapuram, on 3 December.
- President Droupadi Murmu attended the 2025 demo as chief guest, with Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi hosting the event.
- BSF Raising Day is celebrated every year on 1 December.
- BSF Raising Day marks the foundation of the Border Security Force in 1965.
- Border Security Force (BSF) is one of the world’s largest border-guarding forces.
- BSF plays a role in border security, disaster relief, internal security and humanitarian operations.
- BSF Raising Day honours the courage, sacrifice and duty of personnel guarding India’s borders.
- Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi led the first-ever official commemoration of Operation Pawan on November 25, 2025.
- Hundreds of troops lost their lives, and over 1,000 were injured during Operation Pawan, which occurred between October 7, 1987 and October 27, 1987, against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Sri Lanka.
- Major R. Parameswaran, who received the Param Vir Chakra, was among those honoured by the Indian Army Chief on November 25, 2025.
- The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the inaugural session of the third edition of the Indian Army’s Seminar, ‘Chanakya Defence Dialogue-2025’, in New Delhi.
- The recent success of Operation Sindoor stands as a defining moment in our counter-terror and deterrence strategy.
- Our diplomacy, economy and armed forces together project an India that seeks peace, but is prepared to protect its borders and its citizens with strength and conviction.
- The Army is transforming itself through quantifiable deliverables under the Decade of Transformation.
- The President expressed confidence that these defence reforms will help in making India self-reliant.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) transfers seven indigenous technologies to Indian Armed Forces and approves 12 new defence projects
Key Updates:
- DRDO has handed over seven cutting-edge technologies developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme to the three Services.
- Technologies include an indigenous high-voltage power supply for airborne self-protection jammers, a tide-efficient gangway for naval jetties, advanced very low frequency–high frequency switching matrix systems, VLF loop aerials for underwater platforms, an indigenous waterjet propulsion system for fast interceptor craft, a novel process for recovery of lithium precursors from used lithium-ion batteries, and a long-life seawater battery system for sustained underwater sensing and surveillance applications.
- The handover took place at the meeting of the Empowered Committee of DRDO, held at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat.
- The Committee approved 12 new projects spanning strategic, aerospace, naval and electronic warfare technologies.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) Thursday signed a technical agreement to deepen bilateral collaboration in the field of research and development.
- The agreement, signed by DRDO chief Samir V. Kamat and France’s armaments director Gael Diaz de Tuesta, is an overarching pact enabling joint R&D, not tied to any one project.
- This strategic partnership aims to leverage the combined expertise and resources of all stakeholders to develop innovative solutions for future defence challenges, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a statement.
- The agreement provides a formal framework for joint research and training programmes, testing activities, exchange of information, organisation of workshops, seminars etc. to enhance the skill and knowledge in defence R&D.
- Under the agreement, the transfer of equipment, know-how and technologies will be available to both countries.
- Key areas of cooperation outlined in this agreement include aeronautical platforms, unmanned vehicles, advanced materials for defence applications, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, space, navigation, advanced propulsion, advanced sensors, quantum technologies, underwater technologies and other areas of mutual interest, the statement said.
- Both countries are looking at declaring 2026 as the ‘India-France year of innovation’ which will not be limited to just pure defence.
- France was India’s first strategic partner and an agreement to this effect was signed on 26 January 1998.
- Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd announced it has signed an agreement with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to receive technology for the Driver Night Sight (DNS) system used in T-90 tanks.
- The technology transfer agreement has been executed with DRDO under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
- The DNS system enables enhanced visibility for tank drivers during low-light and night-time operations, making it a critical component for armoured vehicle mobility and combat readiness.
- Apollo Micro Systems Ltd has entered a tri-party alliance with IIT-Chennai and the Indian Navy to accelerate indigenous defence technology development.
- The MoU focuses on addressing and solving the present and future problem statements of the Armed Forces through indigenous research and development.
- The partnership focuses on high-technology areas critical to modern warfare, including advanced electronic warfare systems, precision guidance and control systems and high-energy armament solutions, and not limited to them.
- IIT-Chennai will serve as the research anchor and focus on developing the technologies and intellectual property.
- Apollo Micro Systems will act as the technology development and manufacturing partner to convert laboratory-scale research into battlefield-ready products.
- The Directorate General of Naval Armament Inspection will provide domain expertise and operational insights and assist in testing the developed products.
- The partnership with IIT-Chennai will further be extended for other technologically advanced products developed for the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Space and other applications across domains.
- The event, Samanvay 2025, is a two-day industry synergy meet organised by the Electronics and Communication Systems (ECS) cluster of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Proof: "The handover took place during the inaugural session of Samanvay 2025 , a two-day industry synergy meet being organised by the Electronics and Communication Systems (ECS) cluster of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Bengaluru."
- The meet took place in Bengaluru.
- Proof: "The handover took place during the inaugural session of Samanvay 2025 , a two-day industry synergy meet being organised by the Electronics and Communication Systems (ECS) cluster of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Bengaluru."
- The DRDO handed over 12 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LATOTs) for eight products to industry partners.
- Proof: "the DRDO handed over 12 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LATOTs) for eight products to industry partners on Wednesday, the defence ministry said."
- The event is being attended by representatives of more than 150 industry partners.
- Proof: "The event, being attended by the representatives of more than 150 industry partners, has been organised to apprise and update industries, especially the MSMEs and start-ups, about various industry-friendly initiatives and policies of the DRDO in line with the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'."
Google Gemini tops India’s 2025 search chart as AI tools dominate queries
Key Updates:
- Google Gemini grabbed the top overall search spot, reflecting the country’s use of AI tools like DeepSeek and Perplexity.
- AI trends Gemini “Nano Banana” and X’s Grok took the internet by surprise.
- Operation Sindoor, Pehelgam attack and questions like “What is ceasefire” garnered high engagement.
Similar / Past Coverage
- The fifth edition of the India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF 2025) will convene on 27–28 November in New Delhi.
- The forum is organised as India's national chapter of the UN Internet Governance Forum and operates on a multistakeholder model.
- Union Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology and Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, will inaugurate the event as Chief Guest.
- The theme for IIGF 2025 is 'Advancing Internet Governance for an Inclusive and Sustainable Viksit Bharat'.
- The three sub-themes are: Inclusive Digital Future, Digital Infrastructure for Resilient and Sustainable Growth, and AI for People, Planet and Progress.
- The event will be held across two venues: India Habitat Centre on day one and India International Centre on day two.
- IIGF 2025 will feature four panel discussions and twelve workshops covering data governance, cybersecurity, AI ethics, and digital inclusion.
- Total AI-related investments in India have crossed ₹1.67 lakh crore ($20 billion) according to MeitY data
- Private-sector AI investment in India between 2013-2024 reached ₹92,000 crore; total funding including public sector exceeded ₹1.02 lakh crore
- Google announced a ₹1.25 lakh crore AI data hub in Visakhapatnam — its largest outside the United States
- AWS committed ₹1.06 lakh crore in India by 2030 to expand cloud and AI computing infrastructure
- Indian AI startups have attracted ₹44,000 crore in funding as of October 2025, with ₹19,600 crore going to generative AI ventures
- Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Limited RIL, through its subsidiary Reliance Intelligence Limited, has entered into a strategic partnership with Google to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence AI across India.
- The tie-up, aligned with Reliance’s AI for All vision, will see the rollout of Google AI Pro featuring the latest Gemini model for eligible Jio users, free of charge for 18 months.
- Valued at ₹35,100, the offer includes access to Gemini 2.5 Pro, expanded image and video generation through Nano Banana and Veo 3.1, enhanced Notebook LM features, and 2 TB of cloud storage.
- The rollout will begin with early access for 18- to 25-year-olds on unlimited 5G plans and will soon extend to all Jio customers nationwide.
- Reliance will also partner with Google Cloud to expand access to its advanced AI hardware accelerators -- Tensor Processing Units TPUs -- as part of its plan to build clean energy-powered, sovereign compute infrastructure in India.
- The initiative will allow organisations to train and deploy large AI models and improve performance for complex projects.
- The collaboration also makes Reliance Intelligence a key go-to-market partner for Google Cloud’s Gemini Enterprise, a unified platform that allows businesses to create, share, and deploy AI agents securely.
- Two reports released: 'Roadmap for AI for Viksit Bharat – An Opportunity for Accelerated Economic Growth' and the 'NITI Frontier Tech Repository'
- Released by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Railways/Electronics & IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, and NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam
- Reports aim to guide policy, investments, and research to position India as a global leader in AI and emerging technologies
- Event held in New Delhi and marks a step toward harnessing AI and frontier technologies for inclusive growth and economic transformation
India and Malaysia commence 5th edition of Harimau Shakti exercise in Rajasthan
Key Updates:
- The fifth edition of the joint military exercise 'Harimau Shakti' is being held at Mahajan Field Firing Range from December 5-18.
- The Indian contingent is represented mainly by troops from the Dogra Regiment.
- The Malaysian side is represented by troops from the 25th Battalion Royal Malaysian Army.
- The exercise aims to jointly rehearse conduct of sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of United Nations mandate.
- The scope includes synergising joint responses during counter-terrorist operations, cordon, search and destroy missions, and heliborne operations.
- Army Martial Arts Routine, combat reflex shooting, and yoga are part of the exercise curriculum.
- Both sides will rehearse drills to secure helipads and undertake casualty evacuation during counter-terrorist operations.
Similar / Past Coverage
- The fifth phase of Mission Shakti will commence on Sept 22 to coincide with the start of Shardiya Navratri and continue for 30 days.
- Foot patrolling by police will be made more stringent while all PRV-112 vehicles will remain active on roads.
- Senior police officers have been directed to personally engage with the public, inspect Police Lines and participate in patrols.
- Women personnel should play a more active role, with female beat police officers sent to all 57,000 village panchayats and 14,000 urban wards.
- Women police personnel will be specially deployed at temples, religious sites, fairs and other public places during Navratri and other upcoming festivals.
- Anti-Romeo squads are allowed to take 'exemplary action' against miscreants, but only against 'actual offenders'.
- Dialogues and conferences related to women's safety should be held in each district and short films should be shown in schools and colleges.
- Exercise name: 'Ajeya Warrior-25' (8th edition)
- Location: Mahajan field firing ranges, Bikaner district, Rajasthan
- Participants: 240 personnel with equal representation from Indian Army (Sikh Regiment) and British Army
- Focus: Counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban environment under UN mandate
- Training components: joint mission planning at Brigade level, integrated tactical drills, simulation-based scenarios, company-level field training exercises
- Harbhajan Singh, Saina Nehwal, and Rohit Shetty were "honoured as ‘Fit India Icons’".
- The honour was bestowed "at National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025".
- They were "felicitated by Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya".
- The conclave was "hosted at The Trident, Mumbai".
- Harbhajan Singh is identified as a "World Cup-winning cricketer", Saina Nehwal as an "Olympic medallist", and Rohit Shetty as a "Bollywood filmmaker".
- The event celebrated the "Fit India Mission, which aims to inspire citizens to adopt a healthier lifestyle in the journey towards a Fit and Viksit Bharat."
- Eleventh edition of Joint Military exercise “Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2025”
- between India and Sri Lanka
- commenced on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka.
- The exercise will be held till November 23.
- The Indian contingent of 170 personnel is represented mainly by troops from the Rajput Regiment, while the Sri Lankan contingent of 135 personnel comprises troops primarily from the Gajaba Regiment.
- The aim of the exercise is to jointly rehearse the conduct of sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate, with a focus on enhancing interoperability in counter-terrorist operations.
- The exercise integrates the employment of drones, counter-unmanned aerial systems and helicopters.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) grants in-principle nod to Fino Payments Bank for small finance bank conversion
Key Updates:
- Fino Payments Bank becomes the first payments bank to receive RBI in-principle approval for conversion into a small finance bank.
- Post-conversion, Fino will be able to undertake on-balance sheet lending, a facility not permitted for payments banks.
- Payments banks are restricted to deploying deposits in government securities or bonds and earning fee income from payments and remittances services.
- Fino already offers third-party gold loans, housing loans, and loans against property as referral services and earns fees from these verticals.
- Only payments banks that have completed five years of operations and are resident-controlled are eligible for conversion into small finance banks.
- Entities promoted by corporates such as Airtel or Jio are not considered for such conversion.
Similar / Past Coverage
- RBI granted approval to foreign portfolio investor 1729 Capital to hold a total stake of 7.14% in Suryoday Small Finance Bank.
- As of September 30, the foreign portfolio investor held a 3.81% stake in the bank.
- The RBI clarified that prior consent will be required for any further increase in aggregate shareholding or voting rights.
- If the aggregate shareholding falls below 5%, the investor will again need prior RBI approval to raise the holding to 5% or more.
- The Reserve Bank of India has recognised the Self-Regulated PSO Association (SRPA) as the first Self-Regulatory Organisation for Payment System Operators.
- In October 2025, the RBI recognised the Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC) as the SRO for NBFCs.
- The RBI granted SRO status to the FinTech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE) in August 2024.
- The recognition follows the RBI’s Framework for Recognition of a Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for Payment System Operators, issued in October 2020.
- The recognition also follows the Omnibus Framework for Recognition of SROs for Regulated Entities of the Reserve Bank released in March 2024.
- According to the 2020 framework, an SRO must be a not-for-profit entity comprising only regulated payment system participants, both banks and non-banks.
- Once recognised, an SRO like SRPA is tasked with setting behavioural and professional standards for its members, resolving inter-PSO disputes, and acting as the collective voice of the payments industry in consultations with the RBI and other authorities.
- An SRO will also monitor member compliance and report violations of RBI guidelines or the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
- IDFC FIRST Bank signed an MoU with FPSB India under the Approved Corporate Partner initiative.
- FPSB India will upskill IDFC FIRST Bank's Wealth Management Regional Managers through specialised training and certification programs.
- The collaboration supports hiring initiatives and creates enhanced career pathways for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals.
- FPSB India is the Indian subsidiary of Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. and offers the globally recognised CFP® certification.
- FPSB India is home to over 3,215 CFP® professionals in India and part of a global network representing more than 230,648 CFP® professionals worldwide.
- RBI has returned Jana SFB’s application to convert into a universal bank, citing unmet eligibility criteria.
- Jana SFB reported gross NPA of 2.75 percent and net NPA of 0.90 percent for Q2 FY26.
- The bank took accelerated provisions of Rs 72 crore in Q2 FY26 and Rs 222 crore in H1 FY26 to contain microfinance slippages.
- Slippages stood at Rs 591 crore in Q2 FY26, up from Rs 515 crore in the preceding quarter.
- Secured loans accounted for 72.5 percent of total advances as of September 2025, versus 64.6 percent a year earlier.
- Total unsecured book was Rs 8,715 crore, with 49 percent of the microfinance segment covered under government credit-guarantee schemes.
- Advances grew 20 percent year-on-year to Rs 31,655 crore and deposits rose 31 percent to Rs 32,532 crore in Q2 FY26.
- Liquidity coverage ratio stood at 170 percent.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Reduces Repo Rate to 5.25 Percent
Key Updates:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) delivered a 25-basis-point reduction in the repo rate, bringing it down to 5.25 percent.
- The central bank cut policy rates by a cumulative 125 basis points during 2025.
- Average headline inflation for Q2:2025-26 was 1.7 percent, breaching the lower tolerance threshold of 2 percent.
- Inflation dipped to 0.3 percent in October 2025.
- Real GDP growth accelerated to 8.2 percent in Q2.
- Inflation was 2.2 percent and growth was 8.0 percent in H1:2025-26.
- The MPC slashed the inflation aim by 60 basis points to 2 percent.
- The central bank raised the FY26 growth forecast to 7.3 percent.
Similar / Past Coverage
- India’s real GDP expanded 8.2% in Q2 FY26, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
- MoSPI estimates India’s first-half (H1) FY26 real GDP growth at 8.0%.
- Real Gross Value Added (GVA) increased 8.1% in Q2 FY26.
- The secondary sector grew 8.1% and the tertiary sector grew 9.2% in Q2 FY26.
- Manufacturing output rose 9.1% in Q2 FY26.
- Financial, real estate, and professional services grew 10.2% in Q2 FY26.
- Real Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) grew 7.9% in Q2 FY26.
- Government consumption (GFCE) contracted 2.7% in Q2 FY26.
- Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) rose 7.3% in Q2 FY26.
- Exports grew 5.6% and imports increased 12.8% in Q2 FY26.
- Moody's Ratings forecasts India’s GDP to grow 7.0% in 2025 and 6.4% in 2026.
- India will lead growth among emerging markets and across APAC excluding Greater China.
- APAC GDP growth will stay steady at 3.4% in 2026 versus 3.3% in 2024, with 3.6% expected in 2025.
- Emerging markets in the region will average 5.6% GDP growth compared with 1.3% in advanced markets.
- Most rated Indian companies have active currency risk management or strong financial buffers against Rupee weakness.
- Rated companies in oil and gas, airline, telecom and ride-hailing sectors face dollar exposure due to currency mismatches.
- Moody’s identifies trade, weakening macroeconomic conditions and financial markets as the three main channels through which 50% US tariffs will transmit risk to companies.
- Geopolitical tensions, especially US-China frictions, inform APAC geopolitical risk and threaten semiconductor supply chains.
- Moody’s outlook for APAC is stable; it would turn negative if geopolitical tensions escalate or China slows sharply, and positive if interest rates decline broadly and earnings growth strengthens.
- India’s economy gathered further pace in October.
- Demand conditions exhibited signs of improvement with the revival of urban demand and continued strength in rural demand.
- Manufacturing and services activity showed further resilience.
- Digital payments moderated in both value and volume in October 2025.
- Headline inflation plunged to its lowest level in the current CPI series (2012 base year).
- Retail inflation fell to 0.3 per cent in October from 1.4 per cent in September.
- Fuel and light inflation remained steady at 2.0 per cent in October.
- Core inflation moderated to 4.3 per cent in October from 4.4 per cent in September.
- The core basket, excluding precious metals, posted a 0.1 per cent month-on-month decline.
- Macroeconomic policy measures undertaken in 2025 are expected to reinforce a positive investment cycle and strengthen long-term growth.
- Inflation moderated to a historic low and remained well below the target rate.
- International uncertainty remains elevated.
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) retained a C-grade for India’s national account statistics, or GDP data, in its annual staff report for India for 2025.
- A C-grade signifies that data provided to the IMF possess “some shortcomings that somewhat hamper surveillance”.
- The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) reported India’s GDP growth rate surged to a six-quarter high of 8.2 per cent in July-September, from 7.8 per cent in April-June.
- The IMF staff recommended regular revisions of national accounts, prices, and other key statistics, conducting the population census on a priority basis, and timely provision of consolidated general government fiscal accounts.
- The Indian government plans to launch the new GDP and Consumer Price Index (CPI) series in February 2026.
- India's national accounts received a C rating, while the overall rating from the IMF was a B, with prices, government finance statistics, external sector statistics, monetary and financial statistics, and inter-sectoral consistency all receiving B ratings.
- The IMF's current four-tier rating system was implemented in 2024, with India receiving its first B overall rating in the 2024 Article IV consultation report.
- The last update to the GDP series by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) occurred in early 2015.
- The IMF's 2023 report identified India’s GDP series with 2011-12 as the base year as “outdated” and recommended its rebasing “as soon as feasible”.
- The new GDP series will use 2022-23 as the base year, with the first quarterly number expected on February 27, 2026.
- The first CPI inflation number under the updated series, based on the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey for 2023-24 with 2024 as the base year, will be released on February 12, 2026.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to release Balance of Payments data on a monthly basis.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) pilots retail digital rupee crossing 120 million transactions worth over ₹28,000 crore
Key Updates:
- The retail CBDC pilot has processed more than 120 million transactions valued at over ₹28,000 crore.
- The pilot includes 17 banks and has an active user base of over 8 million.
- Retail e-rupee circulation surged 334% in Financial Year 2025 to ₹1,016.5 crore as of March 2025.
- RBI is focusing on programmability and cross-border integration for the digital rupee.
- RBI has introduced a retail sandbox enabling fintech firms to develop CBDC-based solutions.
Similar / Past Coverage
- SBI’s net profit rose 10% year-on-year to ₹20,160 crore, aided by a one-off gain of ₹4,593 crore from the sale of its stake in YES Bank.
- Net interest income increased 3% year-on-year to ₹42,985 crore, exceeding estimates.
- Total business crossed ₹100 trillion, with advances at ₹44.20 lakh crore and deposits at ₹55.92 lakh crore as of September 2025.
- Market capitalisation reached ₹8.84 lakh crore, joining the $100-billion club alongside Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, TCS and ICICI Bank.
- Stock hit a record high of ₹971.15 on Thursday, up from previous close of ₹957.05, with an RSI of 79.7 indicating overbought conditions.
- Total live demat accounts in NSDL and CDSL reached a record 21 crore last month, up from 20.7 crore the previous month.
- New demat accounts opened in October rose 22% to over 30 lakh, compared with 24.6 lakh in September.
- In October, 33 companies raised ₹39,140 crore through IPOs on the main board and SME platform.
- LG Electronics and Tata Capital led the fundraising, mopping up ₹11,600 crore and ₹15,511 crore respectively.
- The Sensex and Nifty gained nearly 3% in October, while the BSE MidCap and SmallCap indices advanced 4% and 3% respectively.
- The top 25 brokers collectively lost around 57,000 accounts, with total active accounts declining to 4.52 crore in October.
- National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) data shows UPI recorded over 19 billion transactions worth ₹24.58 lakh crore as of November 28.
- UPI recorded 15.48 billion transactions valued at ₹21.55 lakh crore in November 2024.
- UPI transaction volume in November 2025 grew by about 23 per cent from November 2024.
- UPI transaction value rose by nearly 14 per cent year-on-year.
- UPI transactions increased by nearly 70 per cent in volume and over 41 per cent in value from November 2023.
- UPI logged 4.18 billion transactions valued at ₹7.68 lakh crore in November 2021.
- UPI transaction volume grew more than fourfold from 2021 to 2025.
- UPI total transaction value increased by over threefold from 2021 to 2025.
- UPI processed 12.41 billion transactions for financial year 2025-26 so far with average daily volume of 689.60 million.
- UPI average daily value for FY 2025-26 so far stood at ₹91,324.77 crore.
- Corresponding period in FY 2024-25 had UPI average daily volume of 516.07 million and value of ₹71,839.58 crore.
- Total goods trade during the 2025 festive season reached Rs 5.40 lakh crore, up 25% from Rs 4.25 lakh crore in 2024.
- Services related to packaging, logistics, hospitality, travel, event management and delivery added another Rs 65,000 crore.
- The survey was conducted by CAIT Research & Trade Development Society across 60 major distribution centres between Navratri and Diwali, covering Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Microsoft Store Awards 2025 spotlight AI, productivity and creativity apps
Key Updates:
- Perplexity’s Windows app uses native voice dictation, multi-modal AI search and enterprise IT policies.
- ChatGPT for Windows adds an Alt + Space companion window, direct file/image uploads and privacy-first enterprise controls.
- Moon Technolabs’ Invoice Maker & Estimate Creator offers customizable templates, real-time cash-flow analytics and multi-channel sharing.
- Manus autonomously runs Python, JavaScript or Bash scripts in a sandboxed Windows environment while exposing a live control interface.
- n-Track Studio turns Windows PCs into unlimited-track recording studios with AI tools and cross-platform project sync.
- Moises Live performs real-time AI audio separation system-wide, leveraging Copilot+ NPUs for local, latency-free processing.
- ngrok provides secure tunneling integrated with Windows Defender and runs as a background service for developer workflows.
- Scratch 3 supports offline editing and hardware extensions like micro:bit and LEGO for classroom robotics projects.
- Castle Craft delivers scalable, family-friendly strategy gameplay with dynamic resource merging across Windows devices.
- Notion on Windows integrates taskbar pinning, offline access and template-driven automation for project management.
Similar / Past Coverage
- GST & Customs Pavilion bagged the Gold Prize in the Public Outreach and Communication Category at IITF 2025.
- Pavilion showcased at India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025 in New Delhi from 14th-27th November 2025.
- Built around the theme Next-Gen GST: सरल कर, खुशहाल राष्ट्र.
- Eight helpdesks from GST, Customs, GSTN, ICEGATE and CPGRAMS provided instant support.
- Educational videos and tutorials available in 10 regional languages plus Hindi and English.
- Interactive digital exhibits showcased CBIC’s key reforms and achievements.
- Engaging activities included magic shows, puppet shows, quizzes, caricature artists, VR games and selfie corners.
- Dedicated sessions introduced students to career opportunities in CBIC.
- Kotak811 logged over 16 million downloads in H1 2025, a 250% year-on-year surge.
- SBI Yono ranked fourth with 14 million downloads in H1 2025.
- Consumer banking apps surpassed 2 billion global downloads in the 12 months to June 2025, a 5.1% annual rise.
- PayPal will embed its digital payment wallet into ChatGPT starting next year, letting users complete purchases directly within the chatbot
- The integration will make "millions of products discoverable and purchasable through ChatGPT"
- PayPal's upcoming "Agent Ready" feature, launching in early 2026, will extend this purchasing capability to other AI platforms like Google and Perplexity
- The partnership gives "tens of millions of PayPal merchants" a new sales channel across apparel, fashion, beauty, home improvement and electronics sectors
- PayPal positions the move as building for a future where consumer behavior shifts toward "agentic commerce"
- OpenAI and PhonePe announced a strategic collaboration to integrate ChatGPT features into PhonePe’s consumer app and For Business app
- Users will be able to access ChatGPT for activities such as planning travel or shopping
- India is one of OpenAI’s top markets and the company plans to open an office in Delhi
- OpenAI previously offered an annual subscription to ChatGPT Go for free in India
- ChatGPT powered by new GPT-5.1 will be “smarter, more conversational,” according to OpenAI
Google Rolls Out Gemini 3 Deep Think Mode with Strongest Reasoning Capabilities
Key Updates:
- Google has started rolling out Gemini 3 Deep Think mode to Google AI Ultra subscribers using the Gemini app.
- The feature is designed for demanding maths, science and logic tasks, supported by advanced parallel reasoning.
- CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted how the new mode can handle highly complex tasks, calling it a feature that “brings our strongest reasoning capabilities yet.”
- Deep Think mode is built for tough maths, science and logic problems that push the limits of current AI systems.
- Gemini 3 Deep Think leads key benchmarks such as Humanity’s Last Exam at 41.0% (without tools) and ARC-AGI-2 at 45.1% (with code execution).
- Google attributes this performance to advanced parallel reasoning, allowing the model to test several ideas at once.
- With Deep Think mode, Gemini uses iterative rounds of reasoning, resulting in more refined, nuanced code that helps you visualize, prototype and experiment with noticeably richer detail.”
Similar / Past Coverage
- Amar Subramanya will report to Craig Federighi, Senior Vice President of Software Engineering.
- He will lead critical areas, including Apple Foundation Models, ML research, and AI Safety and Evaluation.
- John Giannandrea will retire as Apple's current AI chief in 2026.
- He most recently served as corporate vice president of AI at Microsoft.
- He spent 16 years at Google, where he rose to head of engineering for Gemini.
- India leads the world in adopting Google's Guided Learning feature within Gemini.
- Over 2 million Indian students are accessing the AI tutor, with free access to Google AI Pro through a special student offer.
- The AI-powered tutor uses Socratic questioning methods instead of providing direct answers, encouraging critical thinking skills.
- 95% of student users in India report feeling more confident after using Gemini.
- The platform's success is attributed to its multimodal capabilities, language flexibility, and focus on in-depth learning.
- Gemini's AI mode is available in eight Indian languages, with plans to expand further.
- Google has fine-tuned a specialised language model called LearnLM that powers these educational features.
- The Guided Learning feature functions as a 24/7 personal tutor, helping students across diverse subjects including STEM, exam preparation, programming languages, and creative skills.
- Atomesus AI, developed under the leadership of Indus Valley Group, is gearing up for its official launch.
- The initiative is led by a group of passionate college innovators with research exposure to ISRO-linked projects.
- The team has created a hybrid AI system that merges the precision of machine learning with the adaptability of contextual reasoning.
- Atomesus AI has built a proprietary integration layer combining in-house development with select global AI systems.
- Its mission is to become the world’s most affordable AI platform for everyone.
- The founders envision launching a fully indigenous AI model, trained and deployed entirely in India using localized data.
- Atomesus AI is part of Indus Valley Group, a conglomerate engaged in AI, space technology, Web3, and citizen-security.
- All systems are compliant with global data-protection and ethical-AI standards.
- The headquarters of Atomesus AI PVT LTD are in New Delhi, India.
- Ironwood is Google’s seventh-generation Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) designed to power massive AI workloads and challenge Nvidia’s GPU dominance.
- The chip can connect up to 9,216 units in a single pod for seamless parallel processing.
- Ironwood delivers 4× faster performance than the previous TPU generation.
- AI startup Anthropic is the first major customer, planning to deploy up to one million Ironwood TPUs to run its Claude AI model.
- Google Cloud Q3 2025 revenue reached $15.15 billion, up 34 % year-on-year, with 2025 capital expenditure raised to $93 billion to support AI infrastructure expansion.
Sahakar Sarathi Initiative Launches 13 New Services and Products for Cooperative Sector
Key Updates:
- Union Home & Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched over 13 new services and products under the ‘Sahakar Sarathi’ initiative.
- New offerings include Digi KCC, Campaign Sarathi, Website Sarathi, Cooperative Governance Index, ePACS, the World’s Largest Grain Storage Application, Shiksha Sarathi and Sarathi Technology Forum.
- The Ministry of Cooperation aims to establish a cooperative institution in every Panchayat, expand cooperative membership to more than 50 crore people and increase the sector’s contribution to GDP.
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- The Global Energy Leaders’ Summit (GELS) 2025 is set to convene in Puri, Odisha, from December 5 to 7.
- Positioned as 'a COP for India’s energy sector,' the Summit will bring together policymakers, international experts, and industry leaders.
- The summit’s theme is “Powering India: Sufficiency, Balance, Innovation”.
- GELS 2025 aims to create a structured platform for meaningful engagement among the Union Government, nearly 15 States, and over 30 national and international energy experts.
- The Summit is organised with the Tony Blair Institute and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, aligned with India’s Net Zero 2070 vision.
- Key participants include Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Principal secretary (energy) Vishal Kumar Dev, NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer (CEO) B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, Union energy minister Pralhad Joshi, and Chief Ministers from Himachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
- Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will inaugurate the Summit on December 6.
- Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has felicitated the student winners in New Delhi, comprising the Indian team at the 18th International Earth Science Olympiad IESO-2025.
- Team India put up a stellar performance by securing a total of seven medals including one Gold, 4 Silver and 2 Bronze, along with a 3rd Prize in the International Geoscience Youth Movement Reporter category.
- The 18th International Earth Science Olympiad IESO-2025 was held at Jining in China last month.
- The summit is themed 'Empowering Rural Innovation for Global Change'.
- It will be held across three cities: Hyderabad (20-21 Nov 2025), Gandhinagar (5-6 Dec 2025), and New Delhi (Feb 2026).
- The initiative aims to bridge gaps between technology, finance, agriculture, and climate action for rural transformation.
- Activities include hackathons, startup-investor connects, exhibitions, and product showcases.
- The summit will demonstrate how India’s Digital Public Infrastructure can scale inclusive innovation across the Global South.
- The G20 Summit, hosted for the first time on African soil, took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from November 21 to 23.
- The 2025 summit opened under the theme 'Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability'.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a new G20 initiative to tackle the drug-terror nexus and create a global healthcare response team.
- India also proposed a G20 Open Satellite Data Partnership whereby data can be made more accessible for countries of the Global South.
- India put forward a G20 Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative to promote recycling, urban mining, and second-life batteries.
- Prime Minister Modi announced an Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership to deepen collaboration in emerging technologies, support diversification of supply chains, clean energy, and mass adoption of AI.
- The G20 comprises 19 countries plus the European Union and the African Union, and accounts for 85 percent of the world's GDP and two-thirds of its population.
- The United States boycotted the event due to a diplomatic rift with the host country.
Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. in $82.7 billion deal, combining streaming giant with century-old studio
Key Updates:
- Netflix said it is buying Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion.
- Netflix will buy Warner Bros. for $27.75 per share, giving the deal an equity value of $72 billion and a total enterprise value of $82.7 billion.
- The transaction is expected to close in 12 to 18 months.
- Netflix pledged to honor any contractual agreements for releasing Warner Bros.' studio films.
Similar / Past Coverage
- LG Electronics said it signed a patent licensing deal with Amazon for the use of its Wi-Fi standard-essential patents.
- The agreement gives Amazon permission to use LG's Wi-Fi technologies in several of its connected products, including Alexa speakers, Fire TV Stick devices and Fire tablets.
- The report says the deal shows LG's continued influence in the field of Wi-Fi standards.
- LG is also holding talks with other global companies that use Wi-Fi technologies.
- The company plans to expand its patent strength in future areas such as 6G communication, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and vehicle-to-everything connectivity.
- Cho Hwi-jae, executive vice president and head of LG Electronics' intellectual property center, said: "This agreement proves the global recognition of LG's Wi-Fi standard-essential patent capabilities."
- Amazon’s acquisition of Axio is pegged at around $200 million.
- Axio has built an assets under management of Rs 2,200 crore with a gross non-performing asset base of 1.8%.
- As of September last year, 63% of Axio's book was in checkout finance with the balance being in personal loans.
- One 97 Communications is trading at ₹1,285.90, down -0.72 % compared to its last closing price.
- The company’s market capitalization is ₹82,209.34 Cr.
- One 97 Communications reported a net profit of ₹21.00 Cr in its last quarter.
- The company’s revenue grew 24.19 % year-on-year in the September quarter, from ₹1,659.50 Cr to ₹2,061.00 Cr.
- The company’s profit declined 97.74 % year-on-year during the September quarter, from ₹928.30 Cr to ₹21.00 Cr.
- The debt-to-equity ratio of the company is 0.01, which is lower than the industry median.
- Mutual Fund holding in One 97 Communications was 16.25 % as of 30 Sep 2025, an increase from the last quarter.
- FII holding in One 97 Communications was 51.71 % as of 30 Sep 2025, a decrease from the last quarter.
- Over the past year, 91 heirs collectively received $298 billion in wealth transfers, marking the largest surge since records began in 2015.
- The $298 billion transferred in 2025 represents a more than 30% increase from the previous year.
- Nearly 200 individuals joined the billionaire ranks through entrepreneurial efforts in the past year, collectively adding over $380 billion in wealth.
- Billionaires collectively now hold $15.8 trillion in wealth, which exceeds the combined GDP of several major economies.
- An estimated $5.9 trillion is expected to be transferred within billionaire families over the next 15 years.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raises FY26 GDP growth forecast to 7.3%
Key Updates:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised India’s GDP forecast for FY2025-26 upwards to 7.3% from the earlier 6.8%.
- RBI raised Q3 FY26 growth estimate to 7.0% from 6.4%.
- RBI raised Q4 FY26 growth estimate to 6.5% from 6.2%.
- RBI raised Q1 FY27 growth projection to 6.7% from 6.4%.
- RBI projected Q2 FY27 growth at 6.8%.
- RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) cut the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25%.
- India’s economy grew 8.2% in Q2 FY25, 7.8% in Q1 FY25, and 6.5% for full-year FY25.
- RBI announced Rs 1 lakh crore OMO purchases and a 3-year USD/INR swap of USD 5 billion.
- IMF projects India to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by end of 2025.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Fitch Ratings raised India’s FY26 GDP growth forecast to 7.4% from 6.9%.
- GDP growth is expected to slow to 6.4% in FY27.
- India’s GDP growth hit a six-quarter high of 8.2% in Q2FY26.
- Fitch projects the Indian rupee to strengthen to 87 per dollar by end-2026 from 88.5 projected for end-2025.
- Retail inflation fell to a record low of 0.25% in October.
- Fitch expects the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to cut the policy rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% in December.
- The RBI has already cut rates by 100 basis points in 2025 so far.
- Fitch sees the RBI holding the policy rate at 5.25% over the next two years.
- India faces an effective tariff rate of around 35% on exports to the US.
- GST reforms effective September 22 shifted to a two-rate structure of 5% and 18%, lowering tax rates on about 375 items.
- Private investment is projected to pick up in the second half of 2026-27 as financial conditions loosen.
- India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) expects GDP in FY26 to grow 7 per cent year-on-year.
- Ind-Ra revised forecast 70 basis points higher than earlier 6.3 per cent projected in July 2025.
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projected India's GDP growth in current fiscal at 6.8 per cent.
- India's real GDP grew 7.8 per cent in April-June period of FY26.
- India's GDP expanded 6.5 per cent in last fiscal year.
- Ind-Ra expects private final consumption expenditure to grow 7.4 per cent YoY in FY26.
- Private final consumption expenditure grew 7.2 per cent in FY25.
- Indian exports to US fell 11.9 per cent YoY in September 2025.
- Indian exports to US fell 8.9 per cent YoY in October 2025.
- Indian exports to US averaged USD 7.2 billion per month in FY25.
- Indian exports to US averaged USD 7.4 billion from April to October 2025.
- Indian exports to US dropped to USD 5.9 billion during September-October 2025.
- ICRA has upgraded its GDP growth forecast to 6.5% from 6% for FY26.
- GST on 99% of goods has been slashed from 12% to 5%.
- GST on oil and gas exploration has been increased from 12% to 18%.
- ICRA expects the Reserve Bank of India to retain its growth forecast of 6.5% for the country’s full fiscal year GDP.
- ICRA expects lower GST to benefit renewable, FMCG, healthcare, consumer electronics, and automobiles industry.
- Fitch Ratings raised India’s FY26 real GDP growth forecast to 6.9% from 6.5%.
- India’s real GDP grew 7.8% in the April–June quarter, up from 7.4% in the previous quarter.
- Retail inflation hit a low of 1.6% in July, the lowest level since June 2017.
- Core inflation eased below 4% for the first time in six months.
- Fitch expects the RBI to cut policy rates by 25 basis points later this year and keep them steady through 2026.
India to Host UNESCO Global Heritage Committee Session at Red Fort
Key Updates:
- India will host the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) from 8 to 13 December 2025 at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi.
- The announcement was made by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
- The session will examine new nominations for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists and review safeguarding status of inscribed elements.
Similar / Past Coverage
- World Heritage Week is celebrated each year from November 19 to 25.
- Alexander Cunningham became the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1871.
- Sirpur was first discovered in 1882 by Alexander Cunningham.
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Sirpur Special Area Development Authority (SADA) conducted a joint inspection of the Sirpur archaeological site to advance its nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage status.
- India has been re-elected to the UNESCO Executive Board for the 2025-29 term.
- Re-election reflects the international community’s confidence in India’s longstanding commitment to multilateralism and to UNESCO’s mandate across education, culture, science, communication and information.
- India’s continued presence on the Executive Board underscores growing global support for its vision of inclusive, human-centric development and for strengthening cooperation among nations.
- The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is held in Goa.
- The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) runs from November 20 to 28.
- The theme of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is 'Creativity & Technology'.
- Japan is the country of focus at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
- For the first time, a grand opening float parade takes place at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) on November 20.
- Seven new properties have been added to the Tentative List of UNESCO's World Heritage for India.
- With these additions, the number of Indian properties on the Tentative List are now 69.
- The 69 properties on the Tentative List include 49 under Cultural category, three under Mixed category and 17 under Natural category.
- The seven new properties added are under the natural category.
- Addition to the Tentative List is a mandatory requirement before the inscription of any property on the World Heritage List.
Cristiano Ronaldo invests in AI firm Perplexity and launches Ronaldo hub assistant
Key Updates:
- Cristiano Ronaldo has become an investor in and brand ambassador for AI company Perplexity.
- He unveiled a custom AI assistant, Ronaldo hub, letting fans explore his archive and relive goals.
- Perplexity aims to expand AI adoption globally, leveraging Ronaldo’s over 650 million social media followers.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Technology: open-source Artificial General Intelligence network that lets agents, models and data sources collaborate in real time (“Sentient brings together the largest open collection of AI agents, models, and data sources”).
- Scale: platform already integrates 40+ AI agents and 50+ data sources (“40+ AI agents, models, and 50+ data sources collaborate in real time”).
- Access: released to 2 million wait-listed users via Sentient Chat interface (“accessible through Sentient Chat, which opens to its 2 million waitlisted users today”).
- Use-cases: generates outputs such as comprehensive investment reports, personalised news briefings, travel plans and research summaries (“From generating comprehensive financial asset reports … producing detailed research summaries”).
- Positioning: aims to compete with OpenAI and AWS by offering an open, collaborative alternative (“compete directly with players such as OpenAI and AWS”).
- Amar Subramanya will report to Craig Federighi, Senior Vice President of Software Engineering.
- He will lead critical areas, including Apple Foundation Models, ML research, and AI Safety and Evaluation.
- John Giannandrea will retire as Apple's current AI chief in 2026.
- He most recently served as corporate vice president of AI at Microsoft.
- He spent 16 years at Google, where he rose to head of engineering for Gemini.
- PayPal will embed its digital payment wallet into ChatGPT starting next year, letting users complete purchases directly within the chatbot
- The integration will make "millions of products discoverable and purchasable through ChatGPT"
- PayPal's upcoming "Agent Ready" feature, launching in early 2026, will extend this purchasing capability to other AI platforms like Google and Perplexity
- The partnership gives "tens of millions of PayPal merchants" a new sales channel across apparel, fashion, beauty, home improvement and electronics sectors
- PayPal positions the move as building for a future where consumer behavior shifts toward "agentic commerce"
- Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the creation of a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization to govern AI development and set international rules.
- Xi described AI as a 'public good for the international community' and emphasized it should benefit people in all countries and regions.
- Chinese officials indicated the proposed organization could be headquartered in Shanghai.
- Xi highlighted China's advances in AI through homegrown developers like DeepSeek, which have built lower-cost models as part of Beijing's drive for 'algorithmic sovereignty.'
- China will host the 2026 APEC summit in Shenzhen, a city Xi described as a symbol of China's economic transformation into a global center for robotics, electric vehicles, and high-tech manufacturing.
National Microwave Oven Day observed on December 6
Key Updates:
- National Microwave Oven Day is celebrated every December 6.
- The story of microwave ovens begins in 1945, when engineer Percy Spencer was working on a magnetron for radar equipment at Raytheon.
- Percy Spencer patented the first microwave oven.
- The first commercial microwave ovens, released in 1947, were named “Radarange.”
- Microwave ovens changed the way the world cooks.
Similar / Past Coverage
- World Television Day is observed every year on 21 November.
- The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 November as World Television Day through resolution 51/205 of 17 December 1996.
- The first World Television Forum was held on 21 and 22 November 1996 under United Nations auspices.
- World EV Day™ is marked every year on 9 September and in 2025 it returns for its sixth year as the biggest global emobility campaign.
- The 2025 edition promotes the Better Manifesto, communicating that EVs are better to drive, better for the environment, better for convenience and better for running costs than petrol or diesel vehicles.
- UK CPO Sainsbury’s Smart Charge celebrates the day with EV showcases and bonus Nectar points, while RAW Charging offers free EV charging across Alton Towers, National Trust sites and Greene King pubs.
- Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under India’s Ministry of Power launched “National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) for Content Creators and Influencers” for 2025
- Eligible creators must have “at least 10,000 followers or subscribers on any major social media platform”
- Contest requires “short videos (up to 90 seconds) in Hindi or any Indian language” with English or Hindi transcript on themes like setting AC at 24°, using 5-Star appliances, efficient lighting, green buildings and responsible festivals
- Entries must be posted with hashtag #NECA2025 and registered through official portal www.neca.beeindia.gov.in
- Winners will be felicitated at the National Energy Conservation Awards Ceremony on 14th December 2025 in New Delhi
- World Science Day for Peace and Development is celebrated each year on 10 November.
- The idea for the Day was born at the 1999 World Conference on Science in Budapest, co-organized by UNESCO and the International Science Council’s predecessor, the International Council for Science (ICSU).
- UNESCO officially proclaimed the Day in 2001.
- This year’s theme for the celebrations was “Trust, Transformation, and Tomorrow: The Science We Need for 2050”.
- Over 70 events led by ISC Members and partners celebrated World Science Day for Peace and Development 2025 across the world, from Argentina to Tanzania, and from Slovakia to India.
- In Uganda, the Society for the Advancement of Science in Africa engaged students and early-career researchers through “Empowering Youth for Climate Action,” promoting dialogue on sustainability and local innovation.
- The International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development led the online event “Science in Action: Grassroots Development with the Stars,” highlighting how astronomy contributes to education and community development.
Mahaparinirvan Diwas observed to honour Dr BR Ambedkar's legacy
Key Updates:
- Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed every year on December 6 to commemorate the death anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar.
- Dr Ambedkar passed away on December 6, 1956.
- President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered tributes at Prerana Sthal on Parliament premises.
- PM Modi recalled Ambedkar's visionary leadership and commitment to justice, equality and constitutionalism.
- Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray paid tributes at Chaityabhoomi in Shivaji Park.
Similar / Past Coverage
- India celebrates Constitution Day on November 26 to honour the adoption of the Constitution.
- Before 2015, November 26 was formally observed as the National Law Day.
- In 2015, the government officially notified November 26 as ‘Constitution Day’ (Samvidhan Divas) to promote constitutional values among citizens.
- The year 2015 also marked the 125th birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, also called the ‘father’ and ‘chief architect’ of the Indian Constitution.
- Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar was the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution, who was also the first law minister of independent India.
- The Indian Constitution was formally adopted on November 26, 1949.
- After two months, on January 26, 1950, it came into effect, and the day was declared as Republic Day.
- The Constituent Assembly, the body assigned to draft the constitution, took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to complete the drafting of the constitution.
- In 1934, M.N. Roy proposed the idea to form the Constituent Assembly.
- In 1946, the Constituent Assembly was constituted under the Cabinet Mission Plan.
- On December 9, 1946, the first session was held with 207 members including 9 women.
- On January 22, 1947, the Objectives Resolution was adopted as the Preamble.
- On August 29, 1947, the Drafting Committee was formed under BR Ambedkar.
- On November 4, 1948, the First Draft Constitution was presented to the Assembly.
- The Forty-Second Amendment Act, 1976, introduced ‘socialist’, ‘secular’ and ‘integrity’ in the Preamble.
- The Forty-Fourth Amendment Act, 1978, reduced the Right to Property from being a “fundamental right” to a “legal right”.
- The Sixty-First Amendment Act, 1989, reduced the voting age in the nation from 21 years to 18 years.
- The Eighty-Sixth Amendment Act, 2002, led to the inclusion of the Right to Education as Article 21A.
- The One-Hundred First Amendment Act, 2016, led to the introduction of Goods Service Tax (GST).
- The Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) ruling limited Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution for the first time.
- The Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) ruling held that the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution is inviolable.
- In Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975), the Supreme Court of India, applying the basic structure doctrine for the first time, struck down the 39th Amendment clause.
- The Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978) ruling established the interconnection between three different provisions of the Constitution, Article 21, 19 and 14.
- The Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980) ruling held that the Parliament cannot destroy the basic structure of the Indian constitution.
- The Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985) ruling held that the right to livelihood is included in the right to life and personal liberty.
- The S. R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) ruling set limits on the President’s power to impose President’s Rule.
- The Right to Privacy Judgment (Justice K. S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India, 2017) ruled the right to privacy as a fundamental right protected under Article 21 of the Constitution.
- The Government of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India (2018) verdict held that Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (LG) must act on the advice of the Delhi government’s Council of Ministers for matters within the elected government’s authority, except for police, public order and land.
- The Associated for Democratic Reforms v. Union of India (2024) ruling struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme, 2018, finding it unconstitutional.
- The electoral bonds scheme allowed corporations and individuals to anonymously donate money to political parties by purchasing electoral bonds from the State Bank of India (SBI).
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee served three terms as Prime Minister.
- He served a full term from 1999 to 2004.
- He was born on 25 December 1924 in Gwalior.
- December 25 is observed as Good Governance Day in India.
- Vajpayee’s tenure introduced landmark programmes such as the Kisan Credit Card, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and National Rural Health initiatives.
- The book 'India after Gandhi' was written by historian Ramachandra Guha.
- The book 'India after Gandhi' was published in 2007.
- The abbreviation AMS refers to the Andhra Jan Sangham, an organization that began as a linguistic struggle for Telugu.
- By the 1940s, the Andhra Jan Sangham (AMS) had transformed into the Andhra Mahasabha (AMS).
- The Andhra Mahasabha (AMS) was a space in which the communists began to exert influence.
- Digvijay Diwas is observed every year on September 11.
- It commemorates Swami Vivekananda’s historic speech at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893.
- The day celebrates India’s spiritual heritage, unity, and universal brotherhood.
- Swami Vivekananda’s speech highlighted India’s values of tolerance, acceptance, and the vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world as one family.
- The purpose of celebrating Digvijay Diwas is to inspire youth with Swami Vivekananda’s teachings on tolerance, inclusivity, and spiritual strength.
Donald Trump wins inaugural FIFA Peace Prize
Key Updates:
- Donald Trump was the winner of the inaugural "FIFA Peace Prize," which the soccer organization awarded during its World Cup draw in Washington.
- The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) announced the creation of the prize a month ago, stating it would "reward individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace."
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino personally handed the trophy, a certificate, and a medal to Trump during the draw at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
- Infantino attended Trump’s inauguration in January and has visited Washington multiple times since.
- He sat in the front row of a peace agreement signing between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo that Trump held in Washington on the eve of the draw.
- Trump hosted Infantino in the Oval Office to announce the Kennedy Center as the host of the World Cup draw.
- Infantino also attended the Gaza ceasefire signing ceremony that Trump held in October.
- The FIFA boss appeared in the Oval Office again in November to unveil an expedited visa process for World Cup ticket holders.
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also attended the Washington, D.C draw.
- Infantino considers President Trump a "close friend" and has acknowledged their budding relationship.
- Trump recently welcomed Cristiano Ronaldo to the White House for a dinner honoring the crown prince of Saudi Arabia.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Donald Trump was presented with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea's highest decoration, and a replica of an ancient Silla dynasty gold crown during his meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
- The award ceremony took place at the National Museum in Gyeongju on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' summit.
- The Silla crown was described as representing 'the divine connection between the authority of the heavens and sovereignty on earth, as well as strong leadership.'
- Melania Trump was honoured with the ‘Patriot of the Year’ award by Fox Nation, a streaming service.
- She received the award for her several social and humanitarian efforts since her husband, Donald Trump, returned to power in January.
- The award, organised annually since 2019, celebrates individuals who ’embody the spirit of American patriotism'.
- Melania Trump received the award in recognition of her “work on behalf of children and families.”
- She made history by becoming the first First Lady of the United States to co-sign a bill into law alongside a sitting president, known as the Take It Down Act.
- The same title was awarded to her husband, Donald Trump, during the 2024 ceremony.
- Infantino joined Trump at the Summit for Peace in Egypt on Oct. 13
- attended the Future Investment Initiative in Saudi Arabia on Oct. 28
- Infantino will appear at the America Business Forum in Miami on Wednesday, Nov. 5, where U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine World Cup champion Lionel Messi are among speakers at the event.
- Infantino also accepted an Atlantic Council Global Citizen award in New York on Sept. 24
- Sir David Beckham, aged 50, was formally knighted for his services to football and British society.
- He was knighted by King Charles during a ceremony in Berkshire.
- Beckham was previously awarded an OBE by Elizabeth II in 2003.
- He played a role in securing the 2012 Olympics for London and has worked with humanitarian aid organisation Unicef since 2005.
- Beckham became an ambassador for the King's Foundation in 2024.
- He part-owns League Two side Salford City and is also co-owner of MLS side Inter Miami.
FIFA World Cup 2026 draw completes group stage lineup
Key Updates:
- The draw placed 42 qualified teams and 22 play-off contenders into 12 groups for the expanded 48-team tournament.
- Hosts Canada, Mexico and USA were drawn into Groups B, A and D respectively.
- Curacao, the smallest nation ever to qualify, will face Germany in Group E.
- Group L contains England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama; Group I features France, Senegal, Norway and a play-off winner.
- The tournament opener on 11 June 2026 will see Mexico play South Africa in Mexico City.
- The final will be held on 19 July 2026 in New Jersey.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Curacao secured its first-ever place at the World Cup, becoming the smallest nation in history to qualify.
- Home to roughly 150,000 people, Curacao surpasses Iceland’s previous record as the least populous country ever to reach the tournament.
- Haiti will return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974.
- Cape Verde qualified for the World Cup for the first time, sealing qualification with a commanding 3—0 victory over Eswatini.
- Panama booked its place on football’s biggest stage, returning after its World Cup debut in 2018.
- Croatia have reached the World Cup semi-finals in both 1998 and 2022, and were finalists just eight years ago.
- Uruguay has lifted the World Cup twice, in 1930 and 1950.
- Qatar reached the 2026 finals on merit, after competing at the last World Cup as hosts.
- Javokhir Sindarov (Uzbekistan) became the youngest ever Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) World Cup champion, defeating China’s Wei Yi in a rapid tiebreak after two drawn classical games.
- Wei Yi (China) was the runner-up and received the Silver medal.
- Andrey Esipenko (Russia) secured third place and received the Bronze medal.
- The 11th FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 was held at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Taleigao, Goa.
- The tournament marked India hosting the event again after 23 years.
- The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 trophy was officially renamed the Viswanathan Anand Cup.
- The top 3 winners, Javokhir Sindarov, Wei Yi, and Andrey Esipenko, qualified for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament.
- The FIDE World Cup 2025 offered a USD 2 million prize fund.
- The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed the schedule of the 2026 ICC U-19 World Cup.
- The 2026 ICC U-19 World Cup will be hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
- India will aim to win a record-extending 6th title.
- The tournament will be the 16th edition of the tournament.
- The tournament will be held across five venues in two countries: three stadiums in Zimbabwe and two venues in Namibia.
- A total of 16 teams have been divided into four groups, with each group having four teams.
- India, the tournament's most successful team, is in Group A alongside the United States of America (USA), Bangladesh, and New Zealand.
- Defending champions Australia are in Group C.
- The tournament will start on 15th January with India playing the USA in the opening game in Bulawayo's Queens Sports Club.
- The iconic Harare Sports Club will host the final on 06 February.
- India's team is set to be captained by Ayush Mhathre.
- All eyes will be on Vaibhav Suryavnashi.
- Bahrain will host the Third Asian Youth Games.
- The games will be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
- The event is scheduled from October 22 to 31, 2025.
- The venue for the games is Exhibition World Bahrain.
- Thousands of young athletes from 45 Asian countries are expected to participate.
- Competitions will span across 24 sports.
- The games will include 31 sub-categories.
- A total of 253 thrilling events are planned for the games.
Ministry of Women and Child Development launches 100-day Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign
Key Updates:
- The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) is launching the 100-day Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign.
- The campaign will be formally launched on 4 December, 2025.
- The 100-day campaign period is from 27 November 2025 to 8 March 2026.
- It aims to build a Child Marriage Free Bharat.
- The campaign calls upon citizens, institutions, and community leaders to join the movement.
- It follows a structured, three-spell plan.
- The national drive will be implemented in close coordination with the Ministries of Health & Family Welfare, Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, and Education.
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- Children’s Day, or Bal Diwas, is observed in India every year on November 14.
- The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, who was fondly known as Chacha Nehru.
- Nehru believed that the progress of a nation depends on the proper nurturing and education of its young citizens and viewed children as the pillars of the nation’s future.
- Initially, India followed the global observance of Universal Children’s Day on November 20, as recommended by the United Nations, but the Indian government decided in 1957 to celebrate it on November 14.
- Children’s Day underscores the importance of protecting children’s rights, promoting their welfare, and recognizing their role as the foundation of the country’s future.
- The day emphasizes the need to nurture young minds, protect their rights, and invest in their education and well-being, serving as a reminder that every child deserves love, care, and equal opportunities.
- Schools and community groups across India celebrate Children’s Day with activities such as dance performances, skits, speeches, and art or writing competitions, often educating children about their rights and duties.
- Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi launched Nayi Chetna 4.0.
- Eleven Union ministries will collaborate under the campaign to eliminate gender-based discrimination and violence.
- A tripartite inter-ministerial Letter of Intent was signed between the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Ministry of Rural Development.
- The campaign will run across all Indian States and Union Territories until December 23, 2025.
- Scheme Name: 'Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar' (SNSP) Abhiyaan jointly led by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Ministry of Women & Child Development.
- Objective: Provide women-centric preventive, promotive and curative health services; strengthen screening & treatment linkages for NCDs, anaemia, TB, sickle-cell; promote maternal, child & adolescent health including nutrition, menstrual hygiene, mental health awareness.
- Scale & Duration: Over 10 lakh health camps organised nationwide from 17 Sep to 2 Oct 2025 at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, CHCs, District Hospitals and other government facilities.
- Key Provisions: All tests and medicines free; those needing further treatment can use Ayushman cards; daily health camps in every government facility during the campaign period.
- Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, flagged off the 152-kilometre Rashtriya Ekta Yatra from Karamsad to Kevadia.
- The foot march commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary and will culminate in Ekta Nagar, Narmada district, on December 5.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated the march will inspire citizens to align their goals with the nation’s Viksit Bharat aim by 2047.
India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise 'Garuda Shakti' Begins in Himachal
Key Updates:
- The 10th edition of the India-Indonesia joint special forces exercise 'Garuda Shakti' is being conducted from December 3-12 at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, in Himachal Pradesh.
- The Indian contingent is represented by troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Indonesian contingent comprises personnel from the Indonesian Special Forces.
- The exercise aims to strengthen mutual understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the special forces of the two nations.
- Its scope includes troop-level tactics, techniques and procedures in a counter-terrorism environment, covering unarmed combat techniques, combat shooting, sniping, heliborne operations and planning for drone, counter-UAS and loiter-munition strikes in semi-mountainous terrain.
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- The 19th edition of the annual India–Nepal joint military exercise 'SURYAKIRAN XIX – 2025' began at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
- The exercise runs from 25 November to 08 December 2025.
- Each contingent comprises 334 personnel: Indian Army troops primarily from the ASSAM Regiment and Nepalese Army troops mainly from the DEVI DATTA Regiment.
- The exercise focuses on sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate including peacekeeping, peace enforcement, humanitarian protection, and preventive deployment.
- Key training domains include jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain, HADR, medical response, environmental conservation, and integrated ground–aviation operations.
- Emerging technologies featured are unmanned aerial systems, drone-based ISR, AI-enabled decision-support systems, unmanned logistics carriers, and armoured protection platforms.
- Exercise name: Zapad 2025; location: Mulino Training Ground, Nizhniy, Russia
- Indian contingent: 57 Army (led by Kumaon Regiment battalion), 7 IAF, 1 Navy personnel
- Focus areas: joint company-level operations, joint planning, tactical drills, special arms skills, conventional warfare and counter-terrorism
- The Indian Army successfully conducted Exercise Siyom Prahar.
- The exercise was conducted from September 8 to 10.
- It was a major field training exercise aimed at validating the employment of drone technology in modern tactical operations.
- The scope of employment encompassed continuous surveillance and battlefield reconnaissance, as well as target acquisition and precision strikes.
- The central focus of the exercise was the development and validation of new Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) suited for future battlefields.
- Exercise Name: Mitra Shakti (11th edition)
- Location: Belagavi, Karnataka
- Participating Forces: Indian Army (170 personnel, mainly Rajput Regiment), Indian Air Force (20 personnel); Sri Lankan Army (135 personnel, Gajaba Regiment), Sri Lankan Air Force (10 personnel)
- Key Focus: Enhancing interoperability and joint responses during counter-terrorist operations
- Activities: Raid, search and destroy missions, heliborne operations, employment of drones, counter unmanned aerial systems, and helicopters
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and Hitachi MGRM Net Ltd sign pact to build AI-enabled national innovation platform
Key Updates:
- The platform, MStarTM Global AI Connect, will form a national digital backbone linking schools with mentors, incubators, research institutions, accelerators and industry.
- It will support virtual Atal Tinkering Labs and virtual incubation centres linked to physical facilities.
- The collaboration will provide workflows for ideation-to-pilot projects, readiness-level tracking and challenge grants.
- Analytics generated by the platform will aid policy decisions at the Centre and State levels.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has signed a partnership with CEA, a French public research organisation.
- The collaboration aims to develop and industrialise Physical AI solutions.
- TCS and CEA’s List institute for intelligent digital systems will collaborate on the design, development, and deployment of Physical AI-powered systems for practical applications.
- The partnership aims to deliver scalable solutions for industries including manufacturing, logistics, and automation.
- Physical AI combines robotics, artificial intelligence, and intelligent systems to enable machines to perceive, interpret, and interact with the physical world, supporting digital transformation in industrial processes.
- Areas of collaboration include development of adaptable robots capable of learning and performing varied tasks; human-robot interaction systems designed for industrial environments; and socially assistive robots to support and guide humans in social contexts.
- CEA’s expertise in physical AI includes projects such as brain-controlled exoskeletons for tetraplegic patients, self-driving vehicle research, and advances in haptic telepresence and dexterous handling.
- The organisation co-directs the French national programme in Organic Robotics and coordinates the European roadmap for AI-powered robotics.
- The collaboration will also be supported by the TCS Pace Port research and innovation centre in Paris.
- Technology: open-source Artificial General Intelligence network that lets agents, models and data sources collaborate in real time (“Sentient brings together the largest open collection of AI agents, models, and data sources”).
- Scale: platform already integrates 40+ AI agents and 50+ data sources (“40+ AI agents, models, and 50+ data sources collaborate in real time”).
- Access: released to 2 million wait-listed users via Sentient Chat interface (“accessible through Sentient Chat, which opens to its 2 million waitlisted users today”).
- Use-cases: generates outputs such as comprehensive investment reports, personalised news briefings, travel plans and research summaries (“From generating comprehensive financial asset reports … producing detailed research summaries”).
- Positioning: aims to compete with OpenAI and AWS by offering an open, collaborative alternative (“compete directly with players such as OpenAI and AWS”).
- Technology: ChatGPT Atlas browser integrates an "Ask ChatGPT" sidebar that activates on every website visited
- Functionality: Browser can perform tasks such as booking flights and editing documents on behalf of the user
- User interaction: Users can ask ChatGPT to summarize content (e.g., movie reviews) or help order recipe ingredients online
- Developer: OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, is entering the browser market to challenge Alphabet Inc.'s Google
- OpenAI has come to terms on a massive 7-year, $38 billion deal with Amazon Web Services.
- The deal is to secure cloud computing capabilities needed to power its suite of advanced AI tools such as ChatGPT and Sora.
- OpenAI will gain access to hundreds of thousands of Nvidia chips housed in Amazon’s global data centers.
- Full capacity from the agreement is slated to come online by the end of 2026, with expansion continuing through 2027 and beyond.
- OpenAI will use Amazon’s UltraServer clusters — racks of Nvidia GB200 and GB300 processors — to train and run its models, process ChatGPT queries, and expand its “agentic AI” systems.
- The partnership marks the first time OpenAI has turned to Amazon for infrastructure, breaking years of exclusive reliance on Microsoft’s Azure cloud.
- OpenAI restructured its ownership to gain more freedom in financing and operations, which removed Microsoft’s right of first refusal to supply cloud services.
- OpenAI has now committed nearly $600 billion in new cloud contracts across Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, and Google to solve “severe computing shortages”.
NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and ACLEDA Bank Plc. enable UPI & KHQR acceptance across India and Cambodia.
Key Updates:
- NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) partners with ACLEDA Bank Plc., Cambodia's first publicly listed commercial bank, to interconnect UPI and KHQR networks.
- Indian travellers can use UPI-enabled apps at over 4.5 million KHQR merchant touchpoints in Cambodia.
- Cambodian tourists can scan more than 709 million UPI QR codes in India using Cambodian payment apps.
- ACLEDA Bank Plc. operates Cambodia's national QR network, Bakong (KHQR), as nominated by the National Bank of Cambodia.
Similar / Past Coverage
- The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has granted Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) approval to Viyona Fintech.
- This milestone enables Viyona to offer Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services in collaboration with partner banks.
- Viyona's flagship product, GraamPay, empowers farmers, small merchants, and local communities with seamless digital collections, payouts, and frictionless UPI transactions.
- NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has partnered with Razorpay Curlec enabling UPI transactions in Malaysia.
- This integration will allow Indian travellers visiting Malaysia to make instant and secure payments to local merchants accepting payments directly via Razorpay Curlec’s platform using their preferred UPI-enabled apps.
- The partnership was formalized during the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025.
- Ritesh Shukla is the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL).
- Shashank Kumar is the MD & Co-founder of Razorpay.
- IANS Junio Payments Pvt Ltd (JPPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of FirstPay Technologies, has secured in-principle authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs).
- The approval will enable it to roll out a digital wallet linked to UPI, allowing users — particularly teenagers and young adults — to scan UPI QR codes and make payments even without a bank account.
- Junio said the wallet’s design aligns with the UPI Circle initiative launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
- Junio already operates a financial management app complemented by RuPay co-branded physical and virtual prepaid cards.
- Union Minister for Communication Jyotiraditya M Scindia launched the UPI-UPU Integration project in Dubai.
- The initiative aims to transform cross-border remittances for millions worldwide.
- The project integrates India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Interconnection Platform (IP).
- It was developed by the Department of Posts (DoP), NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), and the Universal Postal Union (UPU).
- India committed USD 10 million during this cycle to channel technology into innovation, with special focus on e-commerce and digital payments.
- India announced its candidature for the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council of the UPU.
- India has opened over 560 million accounts through Aadhaar, Jan Dhan, and India Post Payments Bank, with most in women's names.
- India Post delivered over 900 million letters and parcels last year.
Vrutti and HSBC India launch FPO Shakti blended finance facility targeting 100+ FPOs
Key Updates:
- Vrutti and HSBC India introduce FPO Shakti, a blended, stage-based financing facility for Farmer-Producer Organisations.
- Facility supported by Friends of Women's World Banking (FWWB) India as Facility Manager.
- India hosts over 44,000 registered FPOs, with fewer than one-third accessing formal credit.
- Initial cohort of 15 early-growth FPOs to be supported, scaling to 100+ organisations.
- Facility combines revolving funds, guarantees, revenue-linked finance and technical assistance via Business Support Organisations.
- Each FPO undergoes a 24-month acceleration journey covering governance, market systems, financial discipline and digital enablement.
Fitch Ratings raises India FY26 GDP forecast to 7.4% from 6.9%
Key Updates:
- Fitch Ratings has raised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 7.4% from 6.9%.
- Private consumer spending is the main driver of growth this year, supported by strong real income dynamics and increased consumer sentiment.
- India’s GDP growth accelerated to a six-quarter high of 8.2% in the second quarter of FY26, up from 5.6% in the same quarter last year.
- Consumer price inflation fell to an all-time low of 0.3% in October, driven by lower food and drink prices (-3.7% in the year to October).
- Fitch expects the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to cut the policy rate once more in December to 5.25%, following 100bp of cuts in 2025.
- Fitch projects India’s GDP growth to slow to 6.4% in FY27 and further to 6.2% in FY28.
- India faces one of the highest ETRs on its exports to the US (about 35%); a trade agreement that lowers the ETR would boost external demand.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Fitch Ratings raised India’s FY26 GDP growth forecast to 7.4% from 6.9%.
- GDP growth is expected to slow to 6.4% in FY27.
- India’s GDP growth hit a six-quarter high of 8.2% in Q2FY26.
- Fitch projects the Indian rupee to strengthen to 87 per dollar by end-2026 from 88.5 projected for end-2025.
- Retail inflation fell to a record low of 0.25% in October.
- Fitch expects the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to cut the policy rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% in December.
- The RBI has already cut rates by 100 basis points in 2025 so far.
- Fitch sees the RBI holding the policy rate at 5.25% over the next two years.
- India faces an effective tariff rate of around 35% on exports to the US.
- GST reforms effective September 22 shifted to a two-rate structure of 5% and 18%, lowering tax rates on about 375 items.
- Private investment is projected to pick up in the second half of 2026-27 as financial conditions loosen.
- Moody's Ratings projects India's GDP growth at 7% for 2025, 6.4% for 2026 and 6.5% for 2027.
- India's economy expanded 7.8% in the April-June period and 6.5% in FY25.
- Inflation in India is expected to average around 3.5% in 2026 and 4% in 2027, after averaging 2.5% between January and October this year.
- Global economic growth is forecast by Moody's to range between 2.5% and 2.6% in 2026 and 2027, compared with 2.6% in 2025 and 2.9% in 2024.
- The US is forecast to grow 1.8% in 2026 and 1.9% in 2027, while China's GDP will expand by 4.5% and 4.2% over the same period.
- Indian merchandise exports rose 6.8% in September, while exports to the US fell 11.9%.
- Fitch Ratings raised India’s FY26 real GDP growth forecast to 6.9% from 6.5%.
- India’s real GDP grew 7.8% in the April–June quarter, up from 7.4% in the previous quarter.
- Retail inflation hit a low of 1.6% in July, the lowest level since June 2017.
- Core inflation eased below 4% for the first time in six months.
- Fitch expects the RBI to cut policy rates by 25 basis points later this year and keep them steady through 2026.
- India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) expects GDP in FY26 to grow 7 per cent year-on-year.
- Ind-Ra revised forecast 70 basis points higher than earlier 6.3 per cent projected in July 2025.
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projected India's GDP growth in current fiscal at 6.8 per cent.
- India's real GDP grew 7.8 per cent in April-June period of FY26.
- India's GDP expanded 6.5 per cent in last fiscal year.
- Ind-Ra expects private final consumption expenditure to grow 7.4 per cent YoY in FY26.
- Private final consumption expenditure grew 7.2 per cent in FY25.
- Indian exports to US fell 11.9 per cent YoY in September 2025.
- Indian exports to US fell 8.9 per cent YoY in October 2025.
- Indian exports to US averaged USD 7.2 billion per month in FY25.
- Indian exports to US averaged USD 7.4 billion from April to October 2025.
- Indian exports to US dropped to USD 5.9 billion during September-October 2025.
Nokia partners with Bharti Airtel to open 5G network APIs via Network as Code platform
Key Updates:
- Nokia said Airtel’s 5G mobile network capabilities, running on the non-standalone (NSA) architecture, will be made available to third-party developers through the Nokia “Network as Code” platform.
- Following successful trials, Airtel's network APIs will be available on a subscription basis to an established ecosystem of developers, system integrators, and enterprises using Nokia's Network as Code platform.
- This will enable the developer community to seamlessly build advanced solutions leveraging the Airtel network's robust capabilities such as AI, 5G, edge computing and more, the companies said in a joint statement.
Similar / Past Coverage
- The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed an MoU with Reliance Jio to roll-out a telecom network-driven highway safety alert system.
- Using Jio’s existing 4G and 5G network, travellers receive advance warnings on mobile phones as they approach risk locations such as accident-prone stretches, stray-cattle zones, fog-affected areas and emergency diversions.
- Alerts will be sent through SMS, WhatsApp, and high-priority calls to national highway users.
- The automated system works for all Jio mobile users on or near national highways without requiring additional roadside hardware.
- Nokia has upgraded RailTel’s DWDM national long-distance network nationwide.
- RailTel’s Carrier-Grade NAT and metro optical transport network have been deployed across India.
- The enhanced network uses Nokia’s 1830 Photonic Service Switch and advanced transponder technology to increase transport capacity while minimising cost per bit.
- Nokia’s 7750 Service Router with integrated BNG and CG-NAT functionality supports enterprise-grade high-speed traffic and ISP services.
- Azerbaijan hosted the World Telecommunication Development Conference WTDC25, bringing together ITU members, ministers and global digital leaders to advance inclusive connectivity.
- Delegates highlighted cybersecurity, data protection, and the need for ethical deployment of emerging technologies.
- Discussions focused on bridging rural-urban gaps, reducing connectivity costs, and supporting developing nations.
- With more than 2,500 participants, the event marked a record for ITU development conferences and positioned Azerbaijan as a key digital collaborator.
- Leaders agreed that affordability, sustainability and global cooperation are essential to narrowing the digital divide.
- MoU signed between Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) and IIT Bombay for joint studies and technical contributions in telecom technologies and global standardisation.
- Focus areas include 6G architecture research, AI-driven telecom applications, core network studies, satellite communication systems, and signalling protocols.
- Partnership aims to develop India-specific standards and test frameworks and enhance India’s participation in ITU-T and 3GPP forums.
- Collaboration targets indigenous design of low-cost satellite communication terminals for remote sensing and rural connectivity.
- MoU signed on 7 November 2025 by Shri Amit Kumar Srivastava, DDG (Mobile Technologies), TEC and Prof. Sachin Patwardhan, Dean (R&D), IIT Bombay.
Jindal Stainless raises Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) ESG score to 78, ranks among top global steelmakers.
Key Updates:
- Jindal Stainless improved its DJSI ESG score to 78 from 60 in the previous year.
- The score places Jindal Stainless in the top five per cent of global steel companies assessed.
- Jindal Stainless ranks fourth within the steel sector and first in the stainless-steel segment.
- Environmental, Social and Governance scores stand at 83, 73 and 76, respectively.
- The company recorded a 14 per cent year-on-year reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in FY25.
- Jindal Stainless received the Golden Peacock Award for Sustainability during the year.
- The company operates domestic and overseas manufacturing facilities and recorded a turnover of ₹40,182 crore in FY25.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), Bharat Electronics (BEL) and Mazagon Docks (MDL) figure in SIPRI’s global top 100 arms-producing companies.
- Together the three Indian PSUs accounted for 1.1% of global arms sales last year.
- Global arms revenues rose 5.9% to a record $679 billion in 2024.
- HAL was ranked 44th with $3.8 billion in arms sales, BEL 58th with $2.4 billion and MDL 91st with $1.2 billion.
- Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL), a unit of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), developed a new 28MnB5 grade manganese-boron steel.
- This specialised steel is the first of its kind within SAIL, engineered specifically for agricultural machinery and wear-resistant applications.
- The 28MnB5 grade steel combines high strength, hardness, and wear resistance through a unique metallurgical balance of medium carbon, manganese, boron, and chromium.
- It is ideal for manufacturing ploughshares, cultivator blades, disc harrows, shovels, digger claws, and equipment that endures constant stress in agricultural operations.
- Since its development, BSL has supplied over 60,000 tonnes of this steel, with annual production projected to reach 80,000 tonnes.
- This innovation strengthens farm implements, making them more durable, and contributes to India's self-reliance in the agricultural sector by reducing import dependency.
- The development expands BSL's diverse product portfolio, which already serves critical national sectors including warship-grade steel (DMR-249A), solar applications, and food grain silos.
- Scheme Name: PLI 1.2 (third round of the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for speciality steel) launched by Union Steel Minister H D Kumaraswamy.
- Objective: "to encourage production of high-value, high-grade steels used in sectors such as defence, aerospace, energy, automobiles, and infrastructure" and "accelerate India's journey towards becoming a global hub for high-grade steel production."
- Financial Outlay: Total scheme outlay of Rs 6,322 crore with incentive rates "range from 4 per cent to 15 per cent, applicable for five years starting 2025-26."
- Coverage: Covers 22 product sub-categories including "super alloys, CRGO, alloy forgings, stainless steel (long and flat), titanium alloys, and coated steels."
- Capacity Target: Aims "to add about 26 million tonnes of speciality steel capacity over the next few years."
- Investment Attracted: "So far, the PLI scheme has attracted investment commitments worth Rs 43,874 crore...and is expected to add 14.3 million tonnes of new specialty steel capacity in India."
- Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge, received the Indian of the Year 2025 award in the Business category at CNN-News18’s annual ceremony.
- He was honoured for advancing India’s “Make in India” footprint in the defence sector.
- Under his leadership, Bharat Forge and its defence subsidiary Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) built a major private-sector defence manufacturing ecosystem.
- Bharat Forge has become a defence exporter, delivering artillery systems to Europe.
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Mind the Bridge recognize Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) among Top 100 Corporate Startup Stars
Key Updates:
- Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has been recognised by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Mind the Bridge as one of the Top 100 Corporate Startup Stars (CSS) globally.
- BPCL is the only Indian organisation included in this year’s international ranking.
- The Corporate Startup Stars Awards 2025 identified 100 companies from the Forbes Global 2000 and Fortune Global 500 lists.
- The awards honor leading corporates for their efforts in promoting open innovation, engaging with startup ecosystems, and supporting new technology development.
- Sanjay Khanna serves as BPCL's Chairman and Managing Director (CMD).
- BPCL’s startup initiative is named Ankur.
- Ankur was launched in 2016.
- Ankur has supported 30 startups.
- BPCL established the BPCL Ankur Fund to invest in promising early-stage companies.
- John W. H. Denton AO is the Secretary General of ICC.
- Alberto Onetti is the Chairman of Mind the Bridge.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Azim Premji was honoured with the Research Catalyst Award.
- He is the founder-chairman of Wipro Ltd.
- The award was presented by the Indian School of Business (ISB) at the ISB Insights Forum 2025 in Mohali.
- The award recognises his "outstanding contributions to India’s research ecosystem."
- The award recognises individuals whose "vision, generosity, and commitment have strengthened the nation’s knowledge ecosystem, enabled cutting-edge inquiry, and inspired a culture of evidence-based problem-solving for societal progress."
- Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, has entered into a strategic partnership with the UAE-India CEPA Council.
- The agreement was signed on November 21 on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in Mumbai.
- Hub71 will onboard the five winning startups selected through the Series into the Hub71 Immersion Programme.
- From the five winning startups, Hub71 will select one startup to be onboarded into the Access programme.
- The UAE-India Startup Series has already received more than 10,000 applications from across India.
- IN-SPACe and SIDBI Venture Capital Ltd (SVCL) signed a contribution agreement to operationalise a Rs 1,000 crore venture capital fund for the Indian space sector.
- The fund received SEBI approval on 31 October.
- The Union cabinet approved the VC fund for the space sector in October 2024, and SIDBI was appointed fund manager in March 2025.
- The fund targets early-stage and growth capital for startups in launch technologies, satellites, payload systems, in-space services, earth observation, communication platforms, and downstream applications.
- MoU signed between Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and CarDekho Group to strengthen DPIIT-recognised startups in mobility, fintech, insurtech, and emerging tech sectors.
- Startups will receive strategic mentorship, market access, technology infrastructure, and funding opportunities through CarDekho platforms (CarDekho, InsuranceDekho, rupyy, BikeDekho, ZigWheels, PowerDrift, Revv, CollegeDekho, Crack-ED).
- Partnership will host innovation challenges under Bharat Startup Grand Challenge focusing on electric mobility, auto-tech, finance, and sustainability.
- CarDekho’s leadership network will provide domain-specific guidance and co-investment opportunities via Girnar Vision Fund (GVF).
- Joint skill-development initiatives with CarDekho brands will build entrepreneurial and technical capabilities among founders and startup teams.
Mohit Sharma announces retirement from all forms of cricket
Key Updates:
- Veteran India pacer Mohit Sharma on Wednesday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
- The 37-year-old pacer featured in 34 international appearances—26 ODIs and 8 T20Is.
- He took 35 wickets in 26 ODIs and six wickets in 8 T20s.
- Mohit was part of India's 2015 ODI World Cup squad.
- He played more than a decade in the Indian Premier League, representing Chennai Super Kings, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans.
- In 2023, he finished as the second-highest wicket-taker of the season for Gujarat Titans.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra passed away in Mumbai from age-related ailments.
- The actor's last rites took place in the afternoon at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai’s Vile Parle.
- Dharmendra had worked in over 300 films over his storied career.
- He was hospitalised in October for a health check-up after complaining of breathlessness.
- Earlier this year, he underwent an eye graft surgery (corneal transplantation).
- Born Dharmendra Deol, he was born to a school teacher in the Sahnewal village of Ludhiana district, Punjab.
- He made his debut in Hindi films in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.
- Phool Aur Patthar marked his first action role and earned him the title of the ‘He-Man of Bollywood’.
- His role of Veeru in Sholay became his most famous.
- He balanced Sholay with Satyakam and is also remembered for his comic turn in Chupke Chupke.
- He was married to Prakash Kaur and later to Hema Malini, with whom he has two daughters, Esha and Ahana.
- He is survived by sons Sunny, Bobby, daughters Ajeeta, Vijayta, Esha and Ahana, along with his first wife Prakash Kaur and second wife Hema Malini.
- He set up his production house Vijayta Films in 1983 and launched his son Sunny Deol with Betaab.
- He won a National Award for the film Ghayal under the category Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
- In 2012, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan.
- He contested from Bikaner in Rajasthan during the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and served the constituency till 2009.
- Andre Russell announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL).
- He will join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) coaching group as a power coach for the 2026 season.
- He has been synonymous with KKR since 2014.
- He is 37 years old.
- He played his first two years for Delhi Daredevils.
- He ends his IPL career with 2,651 runs at a strike rate of 174.18 including 12 fifties and 123 wickets with one five-for in 140 matches.
- Kane Williamson retires as New Zealand's second-highest T20I run-scorer with 2,575 runs from 93 matches.
- He captained New Zealand to the 2021 T20 World Cup final, scoring 85 in the final against Australia.
- Williamson led New Zealand to T20 World Cup semi-finals in 2016 and 2022.
- Rohit Sharma was named the brand ambassador of the 2026 T20 Men’s World Cup.
- The announcement was made in Mumbai.
- Rohit Sharma stated that no one has been announced as an ambassador while still playing.
- Rohit Sharma was India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning captain.
- The 2026 T20 Men’s World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
- India will play Pakistan in Colombo on February 15 during the 2026 T20 World Cup.
- India's opener in the 2026 T20 World Cup will be against the Americans at the Wankhede.
- Rohit Sharma stated he has been fortunate to win two International Cricket Council (ICC) events recently in his 18 years.
- India was placed in a group with Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia for the 2026 T20 World Cup.